The 2014 World Cup story so far: Shock and Awe as breathtaking attacking football takes center stage

The World Cup has been only three days but in terms of entertainment, it has been much better than a Bollywood Blockbuster. Indeed it has been a goal fest so far with 28 goals scored in 8 games(which might have been 30 if Mexico did not have two valid goals ruled out for offside). In terms of drama, there has been no shortage with conspiracy theory dominating after Brazil’s fortuitous victory over Croatia on the opening day, the defending champions Spain’s total annihilation at the hands of the Dutch and minnows Costa Rica’s brilliant shock win over Uruguay. And after all this, if you are not satisfied and still yearn for a dance number then you just have to check out the dance moves of Colombian players after their first goal last night.

Every one of the matches has been a joy to watch with plenty of goal mouth action. If the referee had hog the limelight in the opener, it was the flying Dutchman Robin van Persie’s Supermanesque goal that became the highlight of one of the greatest team performances seen in the modern times. And Netherlands’ manner of victory over the Spanish side was not the only talking point, the Dutch starting lineup for the match also gave us a rare sight of a national team having all the players with shirt-numbers from 1 to 11 at the same time on the pitch.

Elsewhere, Colombia made lightweight of the issue that they were missing their talismanic forward Radamel Falcao as they literally danced their way to a 3-0 victory over a hapless Greek side. Italy vs England was touted to be a cautious game but it turned out to be a spectacle with the English youngsters impressing mightily with a fearless display though they were unfortunate to be on the losing side. Chile and Mexico have impressed all with their attacking play while at last, it might be the World Cup where Ivory Coast’s brilliant squad announce themselves on the World stage.

Now it is up to the other teams to continue to carry on the high octane offensive football because the only thing football lovers want to see is goals, goals and more goals, with a little drama and suspense juxtaposed in between.